Merels

Nine Men's Morris with dice in Libro de los juegos

Merels was a very popular game played on a simple board with each player starting with either 3, 6 or 9 pieces. In all versions of Merels, the goal is to make a mill, or to get three pieces in a row connected by lines. Any player making a mill is allowed to remove one of his or her opponents merels. In Three-Man Merels, the first player to make a mill is declared the winner.

Several other variations of Merels were played including a 12-man version with a more complicated board. This game, also known as Morabaraba in South Africa, is so popular today that it has been designed a sport in that country.

Rules for Nine-Man Merels

Nine-Man-Merels Board

Two players each start with 9 merels (pieces) each.

Players draw lots to determine who will start.

The first player places one piece on any of the intersections on the board.

Players alternate placing pieces on the board until all 18 pieces are in play.

Once all pieces are in play, each player alternates and moves one piece to another intersection along any of the lines.

Each time a player forms a mill (three pieces in a row), he or she may remove an opponents piece.

Winning: The first player to remove enough pieces to prevent his or her opponent from making a mill wins the game. In other words, when one player has only two pieces remaining, his or her opponent is the winner.

Rules for Six-Man Merels

Six-Man's Merels Table

Two players each start with 6 merels (pieces) each.

Game can be played on the same board as Nine-Main merels by not using the outer square.

Played with the same rules as Nine-Man Merels above.

Rules for Three-Man Merels

Thee-Man Merels Board

Played on a three by three board.

Two players start with 3 merels (pieces) each.

Flying, the act of moving pieces to a space not adjacent to it’s original location, is allowed in some variations.